Michael Ceely, LMFT

Counseling for Men in California

Replace Stress with Clarity, Calm, and Confidence

Berkeley therapist Michael Ceely is sitting in a chair and smiling.

Replace Stress with Clarity, Calm, and Confidence

Counseling for Men in California

Berkeley therapist Michael Ceely is sitting in a chair and smiling.

Replace Stress with Clarity, Calm, and Confidence

Counseling for Men in California

As Featured In

As Featured In

Online Counseling Services for Men

Anxiety Therapy


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Career Counseling


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Counseling for Athletes


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Counseling for Life Changes


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Common Challenges for Men

Common Challenges for Men

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Stress & Anxiety

Are you trying to achieve your goals but feel held back by worrying, overthinking, or perfectionism?

Work & Career

Are you working hard in your career  but feel overwhelmed or unsure about the future?

Relationships & Life Changes

Feeling stressed about a major life event like marriage, a breakup, or becoming a father?

Sport Performance

Are you a competitive athlete but feeling nervous, self-critical, or burned out?

Stress & Anxiety

Are you trying to achieve your goals but feel held back by anxiety or overthinking?

Work & Career

Are you working hard in your career but feel overwhelmed or unsure about the future?

Relationships & Life Changes

Feeling stressed about a major life event like marriage, a breakup, or becoming a father?

A man wearing headphones is sitting at a desk in front of a computer.

What if there was a better way?

A man is sitting at a desk holding a book and smiling.

What if you could continue to achieve at a high level without all the anxiety?

What if you had a clear, passionate vision for the future of your career?

What if your relationships were healthy and energizing, both at home and at work?

What if there was a better way?

A man is sitting at a desk in an office holding a folder.

What if you could continue to achieve at a high level without all the anxiety?

What if you had a clear, passionate vision for the future of your career?

What if your relationships were healthy and energizing, both at home and at work?

You don't have to handle life's challenges alone.

Hi, I'm Michael Ceely

I help men conquer stress, get clarity on their problems, and take positive action to get back on track.


Too many men sacrifice their health, relationships and happiness chasing an outdated paradigm of success. The old model of just pushing through stress no longer works.


There’s a better way.  I can help you find a calmer, more confident life, where you're thriving and successful, without all the stress.

A bald man is sitting on a stool in front of a gray background.

Hi, I'm Michael Ceely

I help men conquer stress, get clarity on their problems, and take positive action to get back on track.


Too many men sacrifice their health, relationships and happiness chasing an outdated paradigm of success. The old model of just pushing through stress no longer works.


There’s a better way. I can help you find a calmer, more confident life, where you're thriving and successful, without all the stress.

Hi, I'm Michael Ccely

I help men conquer stress, get clarity on their problems, and take positive action to get back on track.


Too many men today sacrifice their health, relationships and happiness chasing an outdated paradigm of success.


There’s a better way. I can help you find a calmer, more confident life, where you're thriving and successful, without all the stress.

quotation marks

"I worked with Michael for a 4 month period and was very impressed with the speed at which he was able to diagnose my 'cognitive distortions' and offer tips and solutions to get me back on the right track towards feeling and living my best life. Thank you Michael!"

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Client Review

Working with Michael: 3 Steps to Lasting Change

1. Eliminate the Barriers

Men often find their progress blocked by old patterns or limiting beliefs, which leads to stress, conflict and burnout.


My approach to counseling is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a powerful tool for personal change.


CBT helps you identify and remove limiting beliefs and behaviors so you can solve your problems in a more effective way.

2. Strengthen Your Skills

Working with me, you'll learn powerful emotional, relational, and behavioral skills.


We won't just talk about these skills during counseling sessions. I'll show you how to apply them in the real world.


Your new skills will eventually become your new default. You'll get better at handling situations that once felt overwhelming.

3. Achieve Your Goals

As you reach your goals, we'll taper off sessions so you won't slip back into old patterns. We'll make sure you're 100% confident and ready to "graduate" from therapy.


In summary, you'll establish a calmer, more confident way of responding to life's challenges.


Counseling does take some work, but the effort is worth it. Whatever you're going through now, things can get better.

Yes, you can have...

More Calm

Conquer anxiety and stop worst-case scenario thinking before it gets out of hand.

More Confidence

Eliminate self-doubt, be more decisive, and start trusting yourself again.

Lasting Change

Use the skills you learn in therapy sessions to create lasting, positive change in your life.

Get Started with Counseling Today

Schedule a Call with Michael

A Message from Michael

Watch the Video
5 Star Google Reviews

5-Star Google Reviews

Ellis Edmunds

Google Review

"Michael is a kind, compassionate, and insightful therapist. He is an expert is sports psychology and helping you take the actions you need to reach your goals. I highly recommend him."

Kin Leung

Google Review

"Michael is an outstanding therapist. He is compassionate to your needs and also gives you just the right push to help you reach your goals. I highly recommend Michael."

Dr. David Shepard

Google Review

"Michael is an amazing therapist. With compassion and understanding, Michael works with men to find the confidence in themselves to live an authentic fulfilling life. Michael's sports psychology training and his own experience of being an athlete, allow him the unique insight to help facilitate healthy changes in athletes, entrepreneurs and high achievers. I highly recommend Michael if you are looking for a therapist that will help you develop the skills and space to achieve your goals."

Robert Ashe

Google Review

"Michael has a unique combination of providing keen insights, thoughtfulness, extensive experience and the capacity to collaboratively sort through difficult life challenges. Furthermore, he deeply understands the challenges that men face in today's society and how to equip them with the tools to navigate this inherent complexity. I highly recommend Michael as a resource for the goals a prospective client is looking to achieve for themselves."

Sarah McLaughlin

Google Review

"Michael is an experienced therapist who cares deeply about his clients. Michael is very knowledgeable when it comes to CBT techniques and how to help clients have a shift in mindset and mood. He is patient and compassionate. I would highly recommend working with him"

Reina Turner

Google Review

"Michael is an incredibly warm, compassionate, and insightful therapist. Whether you are seeking therapy as an athlete or just need support navigating daily stressors, Michael has a great ability to motivate and inspire his clients to make lasting positive change in their lives."

Brian Sedgeley, Psy.D.

Google Review

"Michael is a passionate and personable therapist. There are few male therapists who are as skilled with working with men as he is."

Alec Herring

Google Review

"I have known Michael for over 25 years. He’s a warm, good-humored, thoughtful person who has been a great friend and confidant. Michael is one of the first people I turn to when I need someone to talk to."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if counseling will work?

    There are many factors that create a succesful counseling experience, but the most important is the therapist-client match.


    The best way to see if I can help is to contact me.


    Read more on my blog post about how to make the most of counseling.

  • How long should I be in counseling?

    This will vary, depending on your goals. 


    We won't end therapy before you're ready. Likewise, I won't create a dependent relationship where you never feel ready to end counseling. 


    Once you achieve your goals, you may be ready to move on, or you might choose to taper off sessions until it feels right for you to end therapy.

  • Are sessions online or in-person?

    All therapy sessions are conducted online via a secure video platform. We can also talk by phone. 

  • What are your fees for services?

    My fee is $275 for a standard 50 minute counseling session.


    Extended sessions are also available (please ask about current rates).

  • Do you accept insurance?

    I am an out-of-network therapy provider, meaning your insurance may reimburse a portion of my fee, reducing your overall cost.


    Contact your insurance provider and ask if they cover out-of-network psychotherapy services.


    Read more on my blog post about insurance vs private pay.

  • What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

    Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a goal-oriented style of therapy that focuses on changing the way you think about, and react to, challenging events. 


    CBT empowers you with the "observer mind" so that you can examine your own automatic thoughts and reactions that keep you stuck.


    By replacing your reactive thoughts and behaviors with informed, positive responses, you gain more control over your life, which leads to more satisfaction and less stress. 


    Learn more on my cognitive behavioral therapy page.

ASK A QUESTION

Change starts with a single step forward.

Change starts with a single step forward.

Schedule your free call today.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Get started with counseling today.

Schedule a Call

YouTube Channel

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YouTube Channel

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Blog Articles

A man in a coat is talking on a cell phone in front of a building.

Mastering Ambition: A Therapist's Guide for High-Achieving Men

By Michael Ceely • July 1, 2025
High-achieving men often struggle with stress and burnout. Discover how to harness ambition without losing balance. Learn how competition, optimization, and high standards can work for you, not against you.
A man in a suit and tie is sitting on a park bench with a laptop.

Transforming Men's Mental Health: The Power of Slowing Down

By Michael Ceely • June 7, 2025
Just like a sports team takes a timeout, men also need to mentally regroup to function at their best.
A man is standing on top of a mountain looking at the mountains.

Discover Your Inner Hero Through Men's Therapy: A Journey of Healing and Growth

By Michael Ceely • May 22, 2025
Men's therapy is being redefined. Now is the time to consider the benefits of individual therapy, group therapy, and men's retreats.
More Posts

Blog Articles

A man in a coat is talking on a cell phone in front of a building.

Mastering Ambition: A Therapist's Guide for High-Achieving Men

By Michael Ceely • July 1, 2025
High-achieving men often struggle with stress and burnout. Discover how to harness ambition without losing balance. Learn how competition, optimization, and high standards can work for you, not against you.
More Posts